Author: Ashley Wings
Thailand is preparing to finalise a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) by January 2024. The agreement marks Thailand’s first FTA with a European trade bloc and is expected to bolster exports, attract investments, and enhance Thailand’s position in the global economy. EFTA Partnership: A Milestone in Thailand’s Trade Strategy Who Are EFTA Members? The EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, offering Thailand access to lucrative European markets. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan highlighted the FTA’s importance, describing it as a pivotal step for economic growth and trade expansion. “This is Thailand’s inaugural FTA…
The highly anticipated M81 Motorway, connecting Bang Yai in Nonthaburi to Kanchanaburi, will be open to motorists free of charge during the New Year holiday period, offering a smoother, cost-free travel experience. Free Travel Dates and Accessibility When and Where The 96-kilometre M81 Motorway will be toll-free from December 26, 2023, to January 2, 2024, as announced by the Department of Highways. This move aims to reduce congestion and improve travel convenience during one of the busiest times of the year. “This initiative is our New Year gift to the public and a step toward better regional connectivity,” said Apirat…
Thai Airways International (THAI) has secured approximately 44 billion baht through a share rights offering, marking a significant milestone in its recovery journey. The move is set to bring the national carrier closer to exiting its court-supervised debt restructuring process and resuming stock trading by mid-2025. Thai Airways Share Rights Offering: A Major Step Forward Raising Capital Through Share Sales Thai Airways is offering 9.82 billion new shares to existing shareholders at 4.48 baht per share. This capital infusion represents the final phase of its restructuring, aimed at ensuring financial stability and market re-entry. “This marks a critical step before…
True Corporation has proven that resilience and adaptability are the keys to staying competitive, even in the face of setbacks. The company’s recent loss of English Premier League (EPL) broadcasting rights, while significant, is far from a dealbreaker. True’s leadership remains optimistic, emphasizing the strength of its diverse content offerings and future plans to keep viewers engaged. A Minor Setback, Not a Major Blow CEO’s Assurance of Stability True Corporation’s Chief Executive Manat Manavutiveth confidently addressed concerns about the impact of losing EPL broadcasting rights: “Losing the EPL broadcast rights will have some effect on True, but it will not…
How Thailand’s Coffee Culture Adapts Amid Economic Squeeze Amid rising costs and economic challenges, Thai coffee lovers are shifting their habits, ditching pricey cups in favour of more affordable options. Despite the hurdles, Thailand’s café culture remains resilient, with businesses adapting to meet changing consumer preferences. Coffee Spending Trends in Thailand The Decline of Premium Coffee Purchases With coffee prices soaring past 100 baht per cup, many consumers are reconsidering their caffeine budgets. According to Korn Sanguankeaw, Vice President of the Specialty Coffee Association of Thailand, there has been a 60% to 100% growth in cafés offering brews priced between…
Thailand is making significant strides in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), positioning itself as a regional leader in ethical AI development. Partnering with UNESCO, the Thai government is charting a visionary course to tackle the challenges and unlock the potential of AI in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, energy, and finance. Thailand’s Strategic AI Partnership with UNESCO A Vision for Ethical AI Leadership Thailand has joined forces with UNESCO to establish itself as a hub for AI training and governance. This collaboration is set to host the UNESCO Global Forum for the Ethics of AI 2025 in Bangkok…
Wildlife in Peril: Elephant Traps Found in Khao Yai National Park In a troubling discovery, Khao Yai National Park officials uncovered a series of dangerous traps designed to harm wild elephants. The traps, embedded with sharp nails, pose a severe threat to the park’s elephant population and highlight ongoing challenges in human-wildlife coexistence. The Shocking Discovery How the Traps Were Found Chaiya Huaihongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, acted on a tip from a local community leader in Mu Si subdistrict, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. A concerned local reported suspicious structures in areas frequently visited by elephants.…
Thai Youth Footballers to Train with Real Madrid’s Elite Coaches Young football enthusiasts in Thailand are scoring big as the Real Madrid Foundation Clinics Thailand launches, bringing elite training directly to the nation. This groundbreaking initiative offers Thai teens a chance to learn from the world-class coaches of Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world. A Football Camp Like No Other When and Where? The inaugural Real Madrid Foundation Clinics Thailand will take place from February 12-16, 2025, at KIS International School Reignwood Park in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province. This premier event…
Tensions have flared within Thailand’s government as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga find themselves at odds over the country’s clean energy future. The disagreement, simmering for weeks, culminated in a dramatic fallout on November 26, leading to the abrupt cancellation of a joint press conference following a key National Energy Policy Board meeting. A Divided Vision for Thailand’s Energy Future Prime Minister Advocates for Accelerated Clean Energy Prime Minister Paetongtarn, representing the Pheu Thai Party, has made clear her commitment to fast-tracking renewable energy initiatives. During the meeting, she called for the Energy Ministry to expedite…
Thailand Braces for Flash Floods and Landslides Amid Monsoon Onslaught Thailand is preparing for turbulent weather, with monsoons set to bring heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides to 11 provinces. Simultaneously, cooler temperatures are expected across the northern region, adding to the volatile mix. Monsoons Bring Deluge and Disaster Risks Flash Flood and Landslide Warnings The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) has issued alerts for heavy rainfall and potential flooding and landslides, particularly in hilly regions and near waterways. Provinces in the southern region are forecasted to experience severe downpours and thunderstorms. Intensified Monsoon Conditions A low-pressure system from the…